Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman was a renowned American abolitionist, humanitarian, and spy. She was born in the year 1822 in Dorchester County, Maryland. Despite being born in a time when slavery was legal, Harriet had an infectious personality and a witty sense of humor.

She is famously known for leading hundreds of slaves to freedom through the Underground Railroad, which was not actually a train located underground, but a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to the north. Harriet was known to dress up as different characters, including a sailor and a farmer, to blend in and avoid suspicion from her enemies.

Harriet had an incredible memory and was known to never forget a face. One time, while leading a group of slaves to freedom, she ran into her ex-master who was searching for runaways. Instead of running away, she walked straight up to him and said, “Well, well, well, if it isn’t my old friend! How’s the plantation treating you these days?” Her ex-master was so surprised by her quick wit that he didn’t even recognize her and let her and the slaves continue on their journey.

During the Civil War, Harriet worked as a spy for the Union Army. She would often disguise herself as a cook or a laundress and sneak into Confederate camps to gather valuable information. She was so good at her job that she was given the nickname “Moses” by the soldiers she helped.

Harriet Tubman was not just brave and clever, she was also a poetic genius. One of her most famous quotes goes, “I never ran my train off the track, and I never lost a passenger.” This quote became a popular slang term during her time and is still used today to refer to someone who has their life or career under control.

In addition to her bravery and sense of humor, Harriet was also a humanitarian. She dedicated her life to helping people in need, even setting up a home for elderly and disabled African Americans towards the end of her life. She died in 1913, but her legacy lives on. Harriet Tubman is a true American hero and icon, whose powerful spirit and contagious smile will never be forgotten.